I've been there, twice, times in the NICU are tough. If you know someone that is going through this and you are looking for a way to help then read on!

Let's start with the birth. When you have a preemie or a medically fragile baby they are taken from the mom when they are born or when a problem is noticed. This is not how the mom and dad have imagined this moment to be. When a mom goes through labor it is considered a trauma on the body. Usually your hormones and mindset are distracted once you do skin to skin with your baby. Most NICU moms do no get this. Understand that PTSD with a NICU parent is a REAL THING. 

UNDERSTANDING PTSD WITH A NICU PARENT

I am speaking from personal experience. Every time I had to walk by Labor and Delivery, the OB ER I just start reliving everything that happened. This happened immediately after giving birth. Even now that my babies are grown and doing good I still get flashbacks when I go to the hospital.
Ways to help a PTSD Parent:
• Understand that it can be hard to walk by specific locations- ER, Labor & Delivery, NICU
• When walking by these areas take their hand, a little sign that you understand what they are going through.
• Remind them that their baby is doing good and everything is okay. (if that is the case)
• Let them cry. Let them feel okay about crying. 
• Skin to Skin contact with their baby helps neutralize those crazy after-birth hormones
• Have them, or you, talk to their OBGYN. Sometimes talking to a professional and getting medication is what they need.